While you may have your heart set on a specific car, you won’t be able to take it home unless you can afford it. A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 25% of your monthly household income for all the cars in your household. And this figure should include not only monthly car loan payments but all other vehicle costs,

2. "Switchin Lanes": New vs used?

You’ll be able to get the most car for your money if you buy used, though you’ll pay a higher interest rate, have a shorter warranty period and won’t know the car’s full history. If you lease, you might get a more upscale car for your dollars, but then you won’t own the car outright and will need to be careful about the lease terms to avoid hefty penalties.

3. "Drive Slow": Narrow your choices to a few cars

Start by researching the cars that have caught your eye to see if they fit your budget. Visit automaker websites and independent automotive information sites to assess the features that are important to you, and note MSRPs (manufacturer’s suggested retail prices) and invoice prices. Don’t, however, rush off to the dealership for a test drive just yet.

4. "Get Your Roll On":Assess your ownership costs

Using your short list of cars, determine if each would fit into your budget by estimating ownership costs. An auto research website such as NJ Auto Auction would provide a general overview of ownership costs for your area, but these numbers will vary depending on your personal situation.

5. "You Saw My Blinker" : Use smart negotiating strategies

When you are ready to make a purchase and start discussing a price, keep in mind all the discounts you’ve researched.,

Once you’ve reached an agreement to buy, be prepared to say “no” to all the extras you may be offered. Instead, say “no” and do the research at home for whatever add-ons interest you, and contact the dealership at a later date to negotiate fair prices for those items. When you are presented with a sales or lease contract, go over all of the details carefully, making sure that you aren’t paying any unnecessary dealer fees and that everything you negotiated verbally is spelled out in writing.

When you head to NJ Auto Auction and pick up your vehicle of choice make sure you add these songs to your latest playlist!